New in Germany? Here is your checklist.
Answer four short questions. You will see what to do and when, and can tick off what is done.
Four short questions
In the first week
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Register your address
At the citizens' office within two weeks of moving in.
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Sort out your residence permit
Book an appointment at the immigration office early.
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Get your tax ID
Arrives by post after registering. Your employer needs it.
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Open a bank account
For salary, rent and contracts. Possible without a Schufa record.
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Choose a mobile plan
Prepaid or cancellable monthly, no long commitment.
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Get health insurance
Compulsory in Germany. Public or private?
In the first month
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Set up electricity
Without your own contract you pay the expensive default tariff.
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Set up gas if you heat with gas
Your tenancy agreement says whether you need your own contract.
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Home internet
Order early: activation often takes two to three weeks.
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Personal liability insurance
The most important voluntary insurance, often a few euros a month.
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Consider contents insurance
Covers your belongings against burglary, fire and water damage.
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Register for the broadcasting fee
Due once per flat, even without a TV.
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Check and exchange your driving licence
Non-EU licences often have a six-month deadline.
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Get car insurance
Claim-free years from abroad can count.
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Apply for child benefit
At the family benefits office, backdated up to six months.
After that
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Get a credit card
Often needed for car rental, hotels and shopping abroad.
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Understand and build your Schufa score
Matters for flats, phone contracts and loans.
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